Keeping Nemo, the greenest way possible.

Humanely treated exotic fish are pretty, but keeping them in a tank can be a tricky energy drain. According to the Washington Post, citing a study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, a 55-gallon freshwater tank could use from 280 to 400 kilowatt-hours annually. Aqua-greenery requires fancy lighting to keep them alive. Keeping saltwater fish necessitates extra pumps to emulate water currents. If you’re running a personal marina, consider the environmental of nearly 800 for a large tank.

Energy reducing options like LED abound, but we could not bring you a post about home aquariums without adding a brief note on harvesting methods. So-called “ornamental” saltwater organisms are captured in cyanide filled squirt bottles, meant to stun sea creatures while being fished out of coral reefs. Lame from a moral point of view, and ecologically illogical for reef systems.

Overfishing is another issue.

Stocking your aquarium with freshwater fish is the kindest of methods from a sustainability point of view, since most are farm raised. If you must purchase saltwater fish, opt for abundant species caught with hand nets.

As for their holding dens, here are ten that we found that are both environmentally friendly and soul-soothing, an ocean away from the sea. Dentist-office-worthy creations that will make you yearn for cavities, but humble enough for the cozy confines of your home.

Aqua-Composting

This aquaponics system by N.I. Teijin Shoji recycles fish poop into nutrients for the plants via a closed-loop cultivation system.

Balancing Aquarium

The bubble tank from Psalt Design will not give your fish vertigo. It’s a handblown glass bowl counter-balanced very carefully on a sturdy base.

Labyrinth Aquarium

At $5,500-$6,500, this lucite maze is for serious aquarists only.

Hanging Aquarium

The smaller the tank, the more environmentally responsible the fish-keeper. A dangling sphere gets bonus points just because.

Wall Hanging Fish Tank

Another dangly, this one wall thin, dramatic (and expensive).

Local River Aquarium

Modernist designer Mathieu Lehanneur‘s aquarium serves an ecological purpose: an aqua installation of a complete local river ecosystem.

Escher-esque Aquarium

This infinity aquarium, designed by Dutch duo BCXSY is called “Swimming Around in Circles” in homage to what goldfish basically do all day.

Ocean in a Bottle

This DIY project made with water, blue food coloring, sunflower seed oil, stones and faux-fish is not meant for living ones. See Lilla A for more, though be forewarned that it is in Swedish.

One Pot, Two Lives

A circulating fish tank that oxygenates and turns waste fish into plant nutrients, via Yanko Design.

Duplex Tank

A birdcage/aquarium shared living space Constance Giusset. (Image via Bored Panda)

Portable Fish Bowl

As nostalgic as taking a goldfish home from the fair, but far more durable with increased longevity (one would hope), via Michal Shabtiali.

Image: Lilla A

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